• To maximize traction, it is better to turn the front of the machine uphill, rather than downhill. If drive
tires lose traction, steering control is lost which could cause serious injury or death.
• If it becomes necessary to turn downhill, turn slowly and gradually.
Do not remove or modify the stabilizer wheels. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction. Avoid starting and stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
Mow a safe distance (minimum of 10 feet, 3.05 meters) away from drop-offs, retaining walls, drainage
ditches, embankments, water, and other types of hazards to avoid a wheel dropping over the edge or to
avoid the ground from breaking away. This will reduce the risk of the machine suddenly rolling over
causing serious injury or death. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding and loss of steering control. Do not tow on slopes. The weight of the towed equipment
may cause loss of traction and control. Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground. If the mower’s tires lose traction when operating on slopes, disengage the deck blade switch,
release Throttle Lever, & Operator Presence Safety Lever & turn the key to the
OFF position and get help OR in EMERGENCY release Operator Presence Safety Switch
to engage brakes & stop the blades. Never make sudden starts, stops, turns, or reverse direction,
especially when maneuvering on slopes. The steering is designed for sensitive response. Rapid movement
of the steering control levers in either direction could result in a reaction of the machine that can cause
serious injury. Never stop suddenly while backing down slopes. This action may result in a reaction of the
machine that can cause serious physical injury. The Mean Green Mower is capable of operating
horizontally (traverse) on moderate slopes. When operating on slopes up to 20 degrees, be aware of any
conditions that may cause the mower drive tires to lose traction resulting in a possible loss of control of the
machine. An operator should not operate on a slope until he is thoroughly familiar with the equipment. It is
strongly recommended that the operator drive the machine off of the slope, using extreme caution, if any
sign of loss of traction is detected. Wait until the condition that caused the problem is resolved before
attempting to operate on the slope again. Terrain conditions can affect traction resulting in possible loss of
control of the machine. Some of the conditions to be aware of are:
1. Wet terrain
2. Depressions in the ground; i.e. holes, ruts, washouts
3. Mounds of dirt
4. Soil type; i.e. sand, loose dirt, gravel, clay
5. Grass type, density, and height
6. Extremely dry conditions of grass
7. Tire pressure
The attachments mounted to the mower will also affect the way it handles on a slope. Be aware that each
attachment’s characteristics vary. Another consideration is to always mow a safe distance
(minimum of 10 feet 3.05 meters) away from drop-offs, retaining walls, drainage ditches, embankments,
water, and other types of hazards to avoid a wheel dropping over the edge or to avoid the ground from
breaking away and always be aware of what is located at the bottom of the slope. This will reduce the risk
of the machine suddenly rolling over causing serious injury or death. Extreme caution should be used when
there is a hazard located at the bottom of the slope. Some examples are:
1. Water; i.e. lake, river
2. Cliffs, retaining walls
3. Roads, highways
4. Buildings
5. Rocks
These are just a few examples of situations when caution must be used when operating on a slope. There
are many other possibilities too numerous to mention. Just remember to always exercise extreme
caution when operating on any slope.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
Never leave machine unattended with key in switch, especially with children present.
Children or bystanders may be injured if they move or attempt to operate the machine while it is
unattended. Always disengage deck blade switch & turn key to OFF position and
remove key. Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of
a responsible adult other than the operator. Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter the area.
Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children.
Never carry children, even with the blades off. They may fall off and be seriously
